Bridges to Business (B2B) | Soka University of America Bridges to Business Bridges to Business (B2B) | Where purpose meets possibility. Designed for Soka’s close-knit, globally diverse community, B2B equips students with the confidence, skills, and real-world experiences they need to thrive as leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Through personalized 1:1 coaching, hands-on workshops, and immersive experiences, students sharpen their ability to launch ventures, lead teams, and navigate the language and culture of business — all while staying grounded in Soka’s mission of creating value for society. For more information, email b2b@soka.edu Watch this video to learn more about Bridges to Business Programs & Events Formal Dining & Etiquette Training Who hasn’t experienced fear, awkwardness, or confusion about proper etiquette during business networking and dining events? In this popular experiential workshop, participants enjoy a formal reception and five-course meal, with guidance from a seasoned etiquette expert, who teaches them to how to dine like a diplomat. B2B Leadership Circle A select group of B2B passport holders commit to meet together over the Spring semester for leadership coaching and mentorship in a team building format. Monthly programs include workshops and guest speakers on topics such as ethics, personal branding, networking, design thinking, finance, social impact, and digital/tech literacy. Members have priority access to the Spring Break Business Bootcamp. Request application at b2b@soka.edu Spring Break Business Bootcamp Participants spend Spring Break networking, meeting entrepreneurs, and visiting innovative companies to expand their skills, awareness and contacts in the business community. Locations and meet-ups are selected based on the interests and ambitions of the group. Social Impact & Business Plan Competitions Impactathon Business Pitch Competition B2B hosts Impactathon® by Innova8social , a fast-paced, social impact business pitch event open to students and alumni interested in creating market-based, impact-driven solutions that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Impactathon serves as a strong foundation for the other competition opportunities offered through B2B. UCI New Venture Competition Through a unique partnership with the University of California Irvine’s Beall Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Soka students and alumni may attend 10-high level business workshops and participate in UCI’s New Venture Competition , where teams can win up to $20,000 in start-up funding. Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge B2B supports teams to pitch at the Fowler GSIC , an international competition where students respond to an environmental or social challenge addressed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From inspiration to practical application, teams meet and network with changemakers from around the world, and gain tools, mentorship, and up to $60,000+ in seed funding. Resources Academic Affairs Partnerships Learning Cluster Support B2B supports faculty in connecting Learning Clusters to experiential learning opportunities to meet leaders and visit organizations that operate in the social impact, entrepreneurship, and business sector. Conference Partnerships Collaboration with faculty and students to produce conferences that highlight social enterprise, economic development, career, and business opportunities with a focus on positive social impact and the triple bottom-line: people, profit, and planet. What's happening in B2B? Impactathon Offers Inspiration and Real-World Lessons for Soka Students Nov 29, 2023 SUA Students Again Prove Their Mettle at UCI Startup Competition Aug 04, 2022 The Renaissance Begins: A Critical Conversation with Simon Mainwaring Apr 04, 2022 Mary Patrick Kavanaugh, MFA Director of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Special Projects Bridges to Business (B2B) Critical Conversations @Soka mkavanaugh@soka.edu P: 949-480-4115 Follow us on Instagram!